
The Benefits of Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps for Builders and Developers
In this article, Neil Fitzsimons, Managing Director at Power On, explores how networked ground source heat pumps can support builders and developers in meeting the Future Homes Standard and contributing to the wider push for net-zero.
With the Future Homes Standard expected later this year and full implementation by 2027 – alongside existing updates to Building Regulations – developers are under increasing pressure to deliver low-carbon, future-proof heating solutions.
Networked ground source heat pumps offer a practical, effective response. They support compliance with upcoming standards while meeting the growing need for sustainable, efficient, and reliable heating systems.
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
The Future Homes Standard requires new homes to cut carbon emissions by 75 – 80% compared to current regulations. This is supported by updates to Part L, which focuses on reducing energy use and sourcing it from low-carbon systems, and Part O, which aims to prevent overheating in new homes.
Exploring Alternatives to Gas
Gas is on the way out – there’s no doubt about it. As a result, builders and developers are actively exploring alternative heating solutions, with air source heat pumps often leading the conversation.
Part of their popularity comes not just from their benefits, but also from the debate around their limitations. Many homeowners have retrofitted air source heat pumps, hoping for a greener, more efficient replacement for gas boilers.
While they can perform well in the controlled environment of a new build, they’re often less effective in retrofit settings. They also raise concerns around space, visual impact, and noise, as they’re typically installed externally – on properties never designed to house them.
Community Heat Hubs
Community Heat Hubs improve on traditional air source heat pumps by centralising heat and hot water production for an entire development. This removes the need for individual external units on each home, reducing noise, improving aesthetics, and streamlining installation and maintenance.
Using large-scale air source heat pumps and thermal stores, Community Heat Hubs deliver reliable, efficient heating with lower transmission losses. They meet the Future Homes Standard by cutting carbon emissions by 75 – 80%, and can reduce residents’ bills by up to 20% compared to standalone systems.
Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps
Alongside Community Heat Hubs, Networked Ground Source Heat Pumps are gaining traction in the UK. Already widely used across Europe, they are a proven, efficient solution now being installed in UK developments.
Ideal for high-rise, high-density buildings, these systems extract naturally stored heat from the ground rather than the air. They provide efficient heating, hot water, and even cooling.
A network of underground pipes transfers heat to compact heat pumps installed inside each home – unlike air source systems, which require bulky external units. Ground source units are small enough to fit in a kitchen cupboard, making them well suited to space-limited developments.
They’re also grid-friendly, using the same electrical capacity as traditional gas heating – an important advantage as grid constraints become a growing concern.
Future-Proofed and Regulated
Networked ground source heat pump systems already meet the Future Homes Standard, achieving a 75 – 80% reduction in emissions. From January 2026, all heat networks – including Community Heat Hubs and ground source systems – will be regulated by Ofgem, ensuring fair pricing and service standards for homeowners.
In addition to heating, ground source heat pumps also provide active cooling through their refrigeration cycle. This supports compliance with Part O of the Building Regulations by helping to prevent overheating in new homes.
Tried, Tested and Ready to Go
Networked ground source heat pumps may not be as familiar in the UK as air source systems, but they’re far from new. With a strong track record across Europe, they’re already being successfully installed on UK developments.
This proven technology offers developers a practical way to meet low-carbon standards – delivering environmental performance without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.
Planning a development with networked ground source heat pumps?
We can help you design, deliver and connect future-ready heat infrastructure. For more information call us on 03453 223322, email us at enquiries@poweron-uk.co.uk or click the link below to complete one of our contact forms.
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